Use the information below to access commonly referenced regulations, codes, and standards that apply to private development in the City and County of Denver. This list is provided for your convenience and may not include every requirement. Additional codes or standards may also apply to your project.
Building, Zoning, Landmark, View Planes and Urban Design
Building and Fire Codes
View the currently adopted building and fire codes, policies and guides; as well as the Green Code and Energy Code.
Denver’s Green Buildings Ordinance
Denver's Green Buildings Ordinance is one of many tools the city uses to reduce the environmental impact of new buildings and renovations and applies to new buildings 25,000 square feet or larger; roof permits for existing buildings 25,000 square feet or larger; and building additions of 25,000 square feet or larger.
Denver Zoning Code
Denver has two zoning codes which implement the community's vision for the future of Denver through our built environment. The Denver Zoning Code was adopted in 2010 and applies to the majority of the city. Former Chapter 59 covers approximately 17% of the City that was not included in the 2010 rezoning due to properties having site specific zoning such as Planned Unit Development (PUD), waivers and/or conditions, or were included in a Planned Building Group (PBG – a site plan covering multiple buildings and/or properties).
Design Review / Design Standards and Guidelines
Where applicable, CPD reviews projects against adopted urban design standards and guidelines which is a discretionary review process to help ensure compatibility with a special context or to promote unique design objectives. Depending on the area of a project, the design review may be done through an appointed design review board or handled administratively by staff. Properties that have been designated for preservation (landmarked) have separate design guidelines.
Expanding Housing Affordability Ordinance and Affordable Housing Fee
New development (including conversion of non-residential to residential development) is subject to either an affordable housing linkage fee or a requirement to building affordable housing on site when building 10 or more units.
View Planes
The Denver view plane ordinances preserve and protect views from various parks and public places by regulating building height for development in specific adjacent areas. View plane ordinances are in the Denver Revised Municipal Code.
Landmark Preservation Review and Regulations
Landmark Preservation staff reviews exterior work that requires a zoning or building permit for individual landmark properties and properties located in historic districts. Additionally, landmark staff reviews applications for demolition and for certificates of demolition eligibility for all city properties, not just those designated as historic.
Landmark Preservation Ordinance
Governed by Chapter 30 of the DRMC.
Landmark Design Guidelines
The Design Guidelines for Denver Landmark Structures and Districts apply to all individually designated Denver landmark structures and historic districts except the Lower Downtown Historic District, which has its own design guidelines and a separate design review process.
Landmark Demolition and Certificates of Demolition Eligibility
Landmark Preservation staff review all applications for demolition and for certificates of demolition eligibility (CDEs) citywide, including for structures that are not local landmarks or that are not in historic districts.
Right of Way and Utilities
Department of Transportation & Infrastructure and Right-of-Way Standards, Details, Manuals and Guidelines
Required documents and technical information for transportation and infrastructure work within the City and County of Denver.
Right-of-Way (ROW), Transportation and Utilities Rules and Regulations
Important links to DOTI rules and regulations governing the ROW.
ROW Standards, Details, Manuals and Guidelines
Technical requirements for infrastructure work.
Stormwater and Sanitary Sewer Permits
Permits and standards for storm and sewer projects.
Ultra Urban Green Infrastructure Guidelines
Green infrastructure at both large and site-scales is a key tool for protecting the environment and improving communities in Denver, and these guidelines are intended to aid in the design of this infrastructure.
Executive Order 100
This executive order governs requirements for how the City can take title to property for things such as right-of-way.(PDF, 378KB)
Transportation Demand Management
Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
Denver requires TDM plans to ensure projects are providing residents and employees with choices in how they move about the city.
41st and Fox Station Area Rules and Regulations
Requirements governing public infrastructure management and available trip capacity in the area around the 41st and Fox Station Area are governed by these rules and regulations.(PDF, 554KB)
Forestry, Parks and Recreation
Parkways
Much of Denver's unique identity and sense of place is built on the system of interconnected parkways, parks, and neighborhoods. Properties on designated city parkways must follow additional guidelines and regulations related to a number of features, including set-backs, tree lawns and right-of-way.
Tree Care Rules & Regulations
These regulations are intended to serve as requirements for arboricultural activities on public right-of-way and other public places, and otherwise defines required practices and treatments pertaining within the City and County of Denver.
Park Planning, Construction & Design Resources
The Planning, Design and Construction team supports operations throughout the department by developing standards for maintenance and construction in parks and other facilities. If the development includes space that will become a designated City park, these regulations and requirements will apply.
DRMC and Licensing
Denver Revised Municipal Code (DRMC)
The DRMC contains all of the ordinances adopted by the City Council and govern much of the work done by individual departments.
Licensing Requirements
Find a list of business and occupational licenses from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Licensing requirements are found in the DRMC. Additional information and requirements specific to each license type can be found in the License Directory.
Subdivision
These rules and regulations further DRMC Chapter 50 regarding the subdivision of land. Note that Denver also uses a ‘zone lot’ to define the real property that may be developed per Denver’s zoning codes. The zone lot may be different from the subdivision lot and block as well as assessor’s tax parcel.
Community Planning and Development
Adopted regulations (PDF)
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
Adopted regulations(PDF, 3MB)
Gateway Subdivision Rules and Regulations
These regulations cover what is known as the Gateway area in the far northeast section of Denver adjacent to Pena Boulevard (PDF)
Zone Lots and Assessor’s Parcels
View this tip sheet regarding tax assessment parcels and zone lots(PDF, 131KB)
Flood Information
The city encourages all residents to be aware of flood risks and take precautions to protect their lives and property. If any construction, including an interior remodel, is within a regulatory floodplain, a floodplain permit will be required as part of the SUDP review. Additional requirements will be necessary.
Floodplain Ordinance
Chapter 56, Article V of the DRMC
General Flood Information
Resources and maps to understand flood risk in Denver
Other Regulations
Residential Health Rules and Regulations
These rules and regulations govern minimum housing standard requirements.
Energize Denver Building Performance Policy
Energize Denver Building Performance has requirements for existing buildings based on size.
Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance
This ordinance requires recycling and composting services for milt-family residential buildings, food businesses, and permitted events. Recycling is required for non-residential buildings, and construction and demolition requirements.